Undercover: Exposing the Far Righta documentary directed by Havana Mark (Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies and Online Attacks, kleptocratA film about British far-right activists has been pulled from the weekend program of the 68th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) at the last minute due to concerns for the safety and well-being of staff, security and audiences.
“After exploring all available options for screening the film at a public film festival, we have made the heartbreaking decision not to screen the film Undercover: Exposing the Far Right at LFF,” festival director Kristy Matheson said in a statement. “I think this film is excellent and easily one of the best documentaries I’ve seen this year. However, festival workers have the right to feel safe and that their mental health and wellbeing are respected in the workplace.
She explained: “I listened to the expert advice of my colleagues about the safety and health risks that the screening could pose to audiences and teams, which informed our decision and we did not take it lightly. This film is extremely important and we wish them all the best.” It went well.
The doctor, who is funded by the BFI Doc Society Fund, followed investigators from Hope Not Hate as they tracked down members of the far right who were planning demonstrations and intimidation. It also delves into a far-right British activist’s links to the U.S.
The show will premiere on BBC Radio 4 on Monday.
Director Mark criticized the decision to cancel the premiere, saying this observer This is “a very unfortunate outcome.” She added: “I understand that film festivals need to look after their staff, but I am outraged that our film has lost its planned theatrical release so late.”
There are fears of violence following recent far-right riots in the UK. “We were told that LFF felt they couldn’t display it due to security concerns,” Marking concluded. “However, I do feel that the power of the far right is overstated, even though their influence is clearly dangerous.”
